§ 63. Major NATHANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there has been of recent years any and, if so, what change in the distribution of the national income among the various ranges of income?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI have no information which would enable me to answer this question. Estimates of incomes above£2,000 derived from the surtax returns are to be found in the annual reports of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue.
§ Major NATHANMay I ask whether before the Budget is introduced the Chancellor of the Exchequer will present to the House a statement from which we may form an opinion as to the incidence of taxation as between those who are above and those who are below the Income Tax limit?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHASuggestions made by the hon. and gallant Member would naturally receive the attention which they deserve.
§ 64. Major NATHANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether His Majesty's Government has made any estimate of the national income for the current or any recent past revenue year or any recent period, and of the distribution of such national income among the various ranges of income?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe answer is in the negative.
§ Major NATHANMay I ask upon what basis the Chancellor of the Exchequer is able to frame his Estimates, and upon what basis this House can judge, unless we have some information as to the national income out of which they are derived?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMy right hon. Friend and the country at large is much assisted by the estimates made by economists in this country, including Sir Josiah Stamp, Professor Bowley and Professor Flux.